This has been a week of mending and finishing past projects.
I repaired 6 pairs of pants that I had made. Contrary to popular belief, yes, you still need to maintain clothing you make.
The 40s corduroy slacks that I made had a rather loose weave and well, kept pulling. At first I paid no mind, and then it got noticeable. Crud.
To make it easy on myself (and not have to take off the waist band) I opened the damaged area, and using a modern cheat, I applied stitch witchery over the damaged area, and covered that with a strip of thin cotton.
I then resewed the seam, about 1/5" in. To adjust for the loss of size, I redid (or on once case completely opened) the front darts. This is a fine fix for me, besides, these paints might become a skirt some day anyway.
Another project I completed was the second of my varied run of three of my blackface series "Happy Bellboy with Towel and Smiling Mammy in a Flower Dress". Ive always had an obsession with blackface content, or the more PC term used now, 'black americana'. Yeah, whatever.
These are more crafty in that their bodies are sewn like dolls. I made the pattern for them, then sewed them as well. I like the process of hand sewing, which I had to do to put them together.
The bodies are sewn to the paper with thread and backing buttons so the rag paper wouldnt tear. They are rather time consuming, but seeing as how I finished my first pair in '06, its kind of interesting to see how I have improved sewing wise as I finished these. I have one more pair to do. Perhaps they will get me back into sewing.
Ive been in a bit of a sewing rut lately. I have great fabric, and cool patterns but I dont *need* anymore clothes right now. So, not much sewing. I do have an upcoming project in the works.
Ive been invited to a 'depression era' picnic near the end of February, and I dont have a ting to wear. I want something nice, light and very dust bowl. Im going to use this pattern and make a linen cloche. I think that would work. Anyway, Im excited about it, and will post progress!
Now its on to an evening of darning socks. Dont be jealous.
Cool post! Great idea using stitch witchery. Heck, whatever works!
ReplyDeleteMy mending pile is getting big and you've inspired me to take a look at it. Doesn't mean they'll actually get mended, but heck, at least they won't be forgotten ;)
Love the blackface series. That's pretty awesome.